Did really well on the bass while pike fishing sunday. The old reliable tip up was the key. We found the bass only hit the tip ups with 1/8 worm weights touching the leaders.
Basicly the bass wanted that minnow pinned down. The sets with light weights or free swimming minnnows didn't get touched. I wouldn't use a steel leader either
If i wanted bass and targeted them i would use a 1/4 oz jig head on a tip up. after quite a few on tip ups i jigged a rap and never got touched. most were 2.5-3.5 # with a 4.5 and a 5#
just my thoughts